fittings and failings

 

and we're back... and with my new coral blazer! This is the second time I've worn this blazer in the last three days, except this time it was for a more appropriate occasion. I initially wore it Saturday night for dinner with Chris but he asked me if I was going out for a job interview so um, memo to self: buy sexier date night clothes. 

But for work, it is very much appropriate. Like I've mentioned, I love the color, and flexible fabric and fit. My only issue with the blazer is that it isn't very fitted in the waist, which may because I was debating between sizes and  decided to size up. It fits well in the shoulders though which is the most important issue for me. While I've been dabbling in altering my own clothes (I slimmed the sides of both this polka dot popover and my chambray popover recently), I do not trust myself at all with the blazer. I think it'll be worth the ~$20 to have a tailor slim the sides for me so it looks more like this.

Blazer: Gap [exact - now $60 + 30% off]

Blouse: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Jeans: Joe's Jeans [same style]

Necklace: gift from my mom [save | splurge]

Watch: Kate Spade [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue & Julep Oscar

And for BEDIM: the thing I'm most afraid of. This is pretty easy for me to answer: failing. 

I'm not very used to failing because once I set my mind to something, I get it done. Starting medical school will be like a whole new world for me - the dedication needed to not only complete, but to do well, is something I have yet to experience. I'm terrified that I won't be able to handle it - the coursework, the new lifestyle, the lack of free time, the new roommate, the newly long distance relationship. I'm so afraid that I won't be able to handle it all as well as I want to but in the end, I don't have a choice in the matter. I have to not fail.

P.S. Congrats to Denial Renae Nichols for winning Tea & Sequins' $50 Gap Giftcard Giveaway. Be on the lookout for an email from us!

2for1

Today I was at the shipping dock, which is in a different part of the building than I work in. A man I occasionally work with was also there and asked if where I work is cold enough to warrant a scarf. It's a silly question to have to ask someone in August, but the room I sit in IS really cold. Hence the scarf. It looks a bit silly coming out of a lab coat though...


Cardigan: thrifted J. Crew
Tee: Target
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Purse: Coach - graduation present
Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang
Watch: Boccia

I went in the opposite direction as last week and went dark. Remember that there are 6 days left to win an intro box from Julep Maven. You can enter here!

Blue: Essie Midnight Cami
Gold: Julep Oscar, c/o



P.S. I'm guest posting for Jen at Librarian for Life Style while she is on vacation!

Linking up with Mani Monday and the Nail Files.

Julep Maven Giveaway

A few months ago after receiving my third Birchbox and being disappointed for a third time, I was reading a blog talking about the newest beauty box they received, a Julep Maven box. I was intrigued by what the Julep box offers : $40+ worth of nail products for $20. There were three factors that I especially liked about this beauty box: the fact that you get a preview each month of what you would receive so you can opt out if you don't want to pay for it, you can get your first box for a penny, and you can earn free boxes by referring others. I figured I had nothing to lose by spending 1 penny to receive 2 ~free $15 nail polishes.

I received my first box right before the 4th of July and was immediately a fan. The polish goes on smoothly, it  is long lasting, and best of all, it is toxin free. I also really like the brush - it allows you to make very clean and straight lines. You can see my first two manicures from my first box here and here. 

This manicure was made used Natasha and Oscar from June's Bombshell box*. I think the colors are perfect for summer! I used Natasha as the base, waited for it to completely dry, used scotch tape as a guide and then used 3 layers of Oscar on top.

Linking up with #SawPinnedConquered (as it's inspired by this pin), The Nail Files and Mani Monday.

I have teamed up with Julep Maven to offer you two ways for you to try out Julep nail polishes for yourself:

1. You can get your own box by taking the beauty quiz here and then get your first box for only a penny. What do you have to lose? Use the code MAVENINTRO for the penny special.

2. Julep Maven and I are holding a giveaway to give you the chance to win a beauty box!  It is open to all US and Canadian residents. All you have to do is enter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: I received a free Julep box as compensation for this post. All opinions are my own - I really do love this nail polish!